News Talk 94.1/AM 1600 Where The Upper Cumberland Talks
The Cumberland County Sheriff’s Office fundraising this week for its Sheriff’s Youth Academy.
Deputy Josh Parrigin said the summer program lasts three weeks, one week each for three age groups where children get to follow a police officer for the day.
“It’s pretty much putting them in our shoes and letting them be the police officer for the day,” Parrigin said. “They’ll experience anything from traffic stops to SWAT day. We’ll deal with the K-9s and participate in a crime scene investigation.”
Parrigan said the situations are created through volunteer work that mimic real life scenarios. Parrigan said the Sheriff’s Office tries to build a rapport with the local youth through the program. Parrigan said it is important for children to know that deputies are there to help.
“That way they have someone they can go to and they can trust and be able to go to when they are in trouble,” Parrigan said. “It’s really important to us.”
Parrigan said the office fund raises by visiting local businesses for sponsorship. Parrigan said the program is 100 percent donation driven. Parrigan said about 70 children participate, get a t-shirt and a graduation ceremony to end the summer.
